The potential role of constructed wetlands in protection and sustainable management of lake catchments in Kenya

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Constructed wetlands are man-made ecosystems, which are specially designed for treatment of wastewater and non-point source pollution. Constructed wetland technology is gaining popularity due to its economically and environmentally sound attributes as a wastewater management option. Freshwater lakes in Kenya are under threat from degradation as human populations in the catchment areas increase, demands for natural resource extraction grow and urbanization and industrialization intensify. Consequently, there is increased surface runoff, causing sedimentation and eutrophication and ultimately deterioration of water quality, habitats and biodiversity. This trend requires integrated and sustainable water resource management strategies. Strategies for integrated and sustainable lake catchment management should target alternatives that are attractive to communities and other stakeholders in a lake basin. However, in developing countries like Kenya, innovative technologies like constructed we.....